Perusing some threads here recently, I have read some some pretty disparaging remarks regarding legumes in the pasture. I am brand new to this and all my knowledge base is coming from books, not real life experience. I don't understand; much of what I've been reading suggests that legumes in the field are of paramount importance. Joel Salatin makes them sound like a major part of the foundation of Management Intensive Grazing. Greg Judy too writes of their importance, suggesting 20-40% of the sward be comprised of legumes. Some posters here seem to be going to great lengths to completely remove them from their fields. Why is this? Is it a fear of bloat? Thanks for your input.
Legumes in the Pasture
- Thread starter potomac
- Start date
jhm47
True BYH Addict
There are numerous legumes, some of which do not cause bloat. Personally, I like to see some of them in my pastures, because they supply a much needed source of nitrogen to the grasses. You can always feed a bloat block if needed.
WildRoseBeef
Range nerd & bovine enthusiast
For producers that are raising cattle on grass-only, legumes are an important "alternate" source of protein, calcium and CHOs for cattle. They do help sequester nitrogen from the atmosphere to aid in grass growth, but they're also important in cattle health when it comes to grazing lactating cows and weaned stocker calves that are to be raised for the freezer.
Lactating cows require around 15% more energy and something like 8% more protein than dry pregnant cows do, and require much more calcium for milk production. Stockers that are raised on pasture-only and have no other supplementation (i.e., grain) need to have a source of forage that is around 16% in protein. Legumes are a high source of protein and, especially if mixed with grasses (at a rate no higher than 30%), they provide that source of protein and energy that is required for lactating cows to give plenty of milk for their calves and for weaned calves to grow.
Those who are trying to get rid of legumes in their pastures either are already using an alternative protein source and don't need the legumes in their pastures, or have horses which are more sensitive to leguminous pastures than cattle are. Some folks may have an over-population of leguminous plants and are trying to reduce the population to a more healthy and manageable level that will significantly reduce their issues with bloating livestock in the past.
Hope that answers your question.
Lactating cows require around 15% more energy and something like 8% more protein than dry pregnant cows do, and require much more calcium for milk production. Stockers that are raised on pasture-only and have no other supplementation (i.e., grain) need to have a source of forage that is around 16% in protein. Legumes are a high source of protein and, especially if mixed with grasses (at a rate no higher than 30%), they provide that source of protein and energy that is required for lactating cows to give plenty of milk for their calves and for weaned calves to grow.
Those who are trying to get rid of legumes in their pastures either are already using an alternative protein source and don't need the legumes in their pastures, or have horses which are more sensitive to leguminous pastures than cattle are. Some folks may have an over-population of leguminous plants and are trying to reduce the population to a more healthy and manageable level that will significantly reduce their issues with bloating livestock in the past.
Hope that answers your question.
